EC identifies 1,000 pockets in 8 districts as "vulnerable''

Published: Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 23:03 [IST]

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Ahmedabad, Oct 31 (UNI) The Election Commission has identified around 1,000 pockets in eight districts in Gujarat as 'vulnerable' and is likely to issue fresh sets of directions to district election officers to ensure people in these areas come out to vote on the polling day.

Talking to mediapersons, after reviewing poll preparedness in eight districts of North and Central Gujarat, Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi said district election officers had submitted their reports to the commission.

Earlier, the commission had asked all poll officials to carry out vulnerable mapping in the entire state in the run up to free and fair elections.

Vulnerable pockets are identified on the basis of caste, religion, abnormal voting pattern in the past and several other factors, which prevent the voters not to excercise their rights on polling day.

Taking serious note of the large number of vacant posts of Dy SP, Sub-inspector level in eight districts, the Commission has also sought a report from the Home Department. Around 40 percent Dy SP posts are vacant in eight districts -- Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Mehasana, Patan, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand and Kheda.

Dr Quraishi said the commission has also decided to carry out videography in the vulnerable zones and also appoint special observers in particular polling booths.